His photographs are used extensively in Smither's publication, Architectural Remains Anuradhapura, Ceylon: the Dugabas and Certain Other Ancient Ruined Structures.

Between 1873 and 1875, under the direction of Governor Sir William Gregory, a complete site survey of structural remains at Anuradhapura was undertaken.

Between 1875 and 1879 Dr Paul Goldschmidt, a philologist and the pioneer of Sinhalese epigraphy, carried out a search of ancient inscriptions and original records.

Between 1884 and 1886, Stephen Montagu Burrows, the Assistant Government Agent in the North Central Province, was assigned the responsibility of supervising the archaeological works at Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa.

When Hocart retired in 1929 C. F. Windsor took the role of Commissioner and at this time the head office of the Archaeological Department was relocated from Anuradhapura to Colombo.

With commencement of World War II all the major works of the department were suspended and Dr Paranavithana was appointed Commissioner.

After the country gained its independence the Archaeological Department went through a significant phase of expansion, with its activities expanded to almost every district on the island.